Certain five-post bull bars available to NSW vehicle owners do not comply with current NSW road transport regulations. The vehicle registration regulations make it mandatory for vehicles manufactured after 1 January 2003 that fitted with bull bars, to follow Australian Standard 4876.1-2002 Motor vehicle frontal protection systems – Road user protection.

Bull bar owners

If your vehicle has a bull bar, you have a two-year exemption from the vehicle registration regulations that apply to bull bars. You’re allowed to drive your vehicle with your bull bars during this time. If you’re unsure whether your bull bar is allowed, or if you have already received a defect notice for a bull bar you think is exempt, you can have your vehicle inspected at an RMS Authorised Unregistered Vehicle Inspection Station.

If you’ve purchased a vehicle with a defective bull bar, you might be able to get compensation.If a NSW business fits a non-compliant bull bar to your vehicle, NSW Fair Trading might be able to take disciplinary action under the Act. If you’re unable to resolve a complaint with a business, lodge a complaint with Fair Trading.

Purchasing a vehicle fitted with a bull bar

If you’re going to purchase a vehicle already fitted with a bull bar or you’re going to fit a bull bar, you must make sure that the bull bar is compliant with the Australian Standard so you can register the vehicle in NSW.